WO2024037861A1

WO2024037861A1 - Process valve

Info

Publication number: WO2024037861A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/071109
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johann Magej; Martin Rupp; Vadim LECHMANN
Original assignee: Gemü Gebr. Müller Apparatebau Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft
Priority date: 2022-08-17
Filing date: 2023-07-31
Publication date: 2024-02-22
Also published as: DE102022120818A1

Abstract

A process valve having a plug-in and turn locking mechanism between a drive unit (100) and a valve body (200) is provided, wherein an electrical contacting mechanism integrated in the locking mechanism comprises, on the drive side, a plurality of electrical contacts (102a, 102b) and, on the valve body side, a plurality of electrical mating contacts (202a, 202b) for the contacts (102a, 102b), and wherein the electrical contacts (102a, 102b) and the electrical mating contacts (202a, 202b) are mechanically and electrically contacted during a relative rotation of the valve body (200) and the drive unit (100) in relation to each other in a locking direction (V) and are mechanically and electrically separated from one another during a relative rotation of same in relation to each other in an unlocking direction (E).

Description

Title: Process valve

Description

The invention relates to advances in the field of process valves.

Process valves such as diaphragm valves and seat valves are well known.

The problems of the prior art are solved by a process valve according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments can be found in the subclaims, the description and the figures. One aspect of the description relates to the following subject matter: A process valve with a plug-and-turn locking mechanism between a drive unit and a valve body and with an electrical contacting mechanism, which comprises a plurality of electrical contacts on the drive side and a plurality of electrical mating contacts for the contacts on the valve body side , wherein the electrical contacts and the electrical mating contacts are contacted mechanically and electrically when the valve body and the drive unit are rotated relative to one another in a locking direction and are separated mechanically and electrically from one another when rotated relative to one another in an unlocking direction.

This advantageously eliminates the need for additional cables and plugs for the electrical connection between the drive unit and the valve body. By integrating the electrical contact into the locking mechanism, assembly of the process valve is simplified.

An advantageous example is characterized in that an electrical connection is established between a control unit of the drive unit and a further control unit of the valve body and/or a sensor of the valve body via the contacts and mating contacts. In this way, the sensor in the valve body can be read out or the control unit in the valve body can be controlled in a simple manner.

An advantageous example is characterized in that at least part of the plurality of contacts is arranged on a drive-side receiving body which is designed to be electrically insulating at least in sections, the drive-side receiving body being received in a housing of the drive unit and fixed to the housing.

Separate production can advantageously be carried out using the receiving body. This decoupling results in constructive advantages when arranging the contacts.

An advantageous example is characterized in that a valve membrane comprises a clamping section which surrounds a functional area of the valve membrane, the valve body comprising a clamping surface for abutting the clamping section of the valve membrane, a clamping piece being in a locking state and the clamping section at least during operation of the membrane valve the membrane is clamped between itself and the clamping surface of the valve body.

The seal to the outside is advantageously created via the internal clamping piece. An advantageous example is characterized in that the drive unit comprises a clamping unit which is fixed to the housing of the drive unit and which, in particular by means of a clamping drive, for example an electric motor, and a self-locking gear, introduces a clamping force via the clamping piece into the clamping section of the valve membrane or the clamping section relaxed .

The integrated tensioning unit enables automatic or manual tensioning of the membrane.

An advantageous example is characterized in that the drive-side receiving body has an internal guide contour in which the clamping piece for clamping the valve membrane is arranged to be movable along an actuation axis of the membrane valve.

This provides a space-efficient design in which the drive-side receiving body realizes both a contact-holding function and a guiding function for the clamping piece.

An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that the inner guide contour of the drive-side receiving body and a counter contour of the clamping piece prevent rotation of the clamping piece about the actuating axis.

This reduces or reduces the shear load on the clamping section of the membrane. prevented. An advantageous example is characterized in that the housing of the drive unit has a collar projecting in the direction of the valve body with an interruption arranged in the circumferential direction, into which a contact section of the drive-side receiving body exposing the contacts engages in a form-fitting manner, in particular in the circumferential direction.

The contact section advantageously exposes the contacts to the outside, whereas the remaining part of the receiving body is arranged protected within the housing.

An advantageous example is characterized in that the contact section of the drive-side receiving body follows an outer contour of the collar, in particular a surface that recesses relative to an adjacent locking projection.

Advantageously, the contact section is not subjected to force during the plug-and-turn movement and is protected from wear.

An advantageous example is characterized in that at least part of the plurality of mating contacts is arranged on an electrically insulating, valve body-side receiving body, the valve body-side receiving body being received and fixed in the valve body. Separate production can advantageously be carried out using the receiving body. This decoupling results in design advantages when arranging the mating contacts.

An advantageous example is characterized in that the drive-side receiving body and/or the valve body-side receiving body comprises at least one inner guide channel for electrical lines, with the electrical lines arranged at least in sections in the guide channel away from the electrical contacts and/or the electrical counter-contacts in the direction a drive-side control unit or in the direction of a control unit on the valve body side or a sensor on the valve body side.

Advantageously, a defined guidance of the electrical cables from the contacts or Realized away from counter contacts.

An advantageous example is characterized in that the drive-side receiving body and/or the valve body-side receiving body is made at least in sections from a plastic material, with the valve body and the housing of the drive unit being made from a metal alloy.

The metal alloy advantageously ensures the stability of the

Twist-plug connection ready, whereas that

Plastic material the contacts or Counter contacts electrically insulating. In particular, this device is smaller.

An advantageous example is characterized in that the drive-side control unit recognizes a locking state when a current flow is detected via two of the contacts, which are assigned to the two connected mating contacts or to a mating contact covering two contacts.

Advantageously, functions such as tensioning the membrane or an operating mode can be released as soon as the locking state has been recognized.

An advantageous example is characterized in that the plurality of contacts, in particular when twisting in the locking direction, run in imaginary perpendicular planes of the actuating axis that are spaced apart from one another, the plurality of mating contacts, in particular when twisting in the locking direction, in the perpendicular planes spaced apart from one another over the distance.

Advantageously, the contacts themselves are not electrically connected to one another during the plug-and-turn movement. At the same time, it prevents unintentional contact between two contact partners, in the sense of contact and counter-contact, who are not assigned to each other. An advantageous example is characterized in that the drive unit comprises a collar which extends in a circumferential direction to the actuating axis and protrudes from the housing and which, on its outer wall, comprises a plurality of locking projections which extend in a circular ring shape in sections and, offset therefrom in the circumferential direction, the plurality of contacts, wherein the Valve body comprises a counter collar which extends in a circumferential direction to the actuating axis and protrudes from the valve body and which comprises, on its inner wall, a plurality of grooves for engaging the associated locking projection and, offset therefrom in the circumferential direction, the plurality of mating contacts.

Advantageously, the simple plug-and-turn connection, which is advantageous for assembly, is realized via the collar that engages in the counter collar. The valve body and the drive unit are locked against pulling when they are rotated relative to each other in the locking direction and are unlocked when they are rotated relative to each other in the unlocking direction to remove the drive unit from the valve body.

An advantageous example is characterized in that the valve body-side receiving body for the counter contacts in the circumferential direction provides a stop for a counter stop of an associated locking projection. Advantageously, the haptically advantageous locking position is achieved, particularly in the plastic version of the valve-side receiving body.

Show in the drawing:

Figure 1 shows a plug-and-turn locking mechanism for a diaphragm valve in a schematic perspective view;

Figure 2 shows the diaphragm valve in the assembled state;

Figure 3 shows the membrane valve in a schematic section;

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a valve body-side interface of a drive unit; and

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the membrane valve from Figure 2.

Figure 1 shows an example of a process valve for providing a process fluid in the form of a membrane valve 2 with a plug-turn locking mechanism between a drive unit 100 and a valve body 200. For reasons of clarity, details such as fluid connections of the valve body 200 are not shown.

Of course, the features shown can also be transferred to seat valves or other process valves that have a mechanical interface in the form of the plug-in rotary connector. Have a locking mechanism between the valve body and the drive unit. There is also a desire to transmit data between the valve body 200 and the drive unit 100.

An electrical contacting mechanism, in particular integrated into the plug-turn locking mechanism, comprises a plurality of electrical contacts 102a, 102b on the drive side and a plurality of electrical mating contacts 202a, 202b for the contacts 102a, 102b on the valve body side. The electrical contacts 102a, 102b and the electrical mating contacts 202a, 202b are contacted mechanically and electrically when the valve body 200 and the drive unit 100 rotate relative to one another in a locking direction V and are mechanically and electrically separated from one another when rotated relative to one another in an unlocking direction E.

The drive unit 100 comprises a collar 140 which extends in a circumferential direction to the actuating axis S and projects from the housing 112 and which, on its outer wall 146, has a plurality of locking projections 150a, 150b which extend in a circular ring shape in sections and, offset in the circumferential direction with respect to the actuating axis S, the plurality of contacts 102a , 102b. The valve body 200 comprises a counter collar 240 which extends in a circumferential direction to the actuating axis S and projects from the valve body 200 and which has a plurality of grooves 250a, 250b on its inner wall 246 for engaging the associated locking projection 150a, 150b and offset in the circumferential direction includes the plurality of mating contacts 202a, 202b.

A respective one of a plurality of grooves 250a, 250b is formed to receive an associated one of the plurality of locking projections 150a, 150b when connecting the valve body 200 and the drive unit 100.

During assembly, the collar 140 is inserted into the counter collar 240 in a plug-in movement along the actuating axis S of the diaphragm valve 2 and then the drive unit 100 is rotated in the locking direction V up to a stop. This provides the plug-and-turn lock.

After locking, i.e. H . When the valve body 200 and the drive unit 100 are fixed in a tensile manner, a valve membrane inserted between the drive body 100 and the valve body 200 is tensioned, whereby the connection between the collar 140 and the counter-collar 240 is subjected to force. This is explained in more detail in particular with reference to FIG. 3.

To provide the electrical contacting mechanism, at least part of the plurality of contacts 102a, 102b is arranged on a drive-side receiving body 106 which is designed to be electrically insulating at least in sections, wherein the drive-side receiving body 106 in a housing 112

Drive unit 100 is recorded and fixed to the housing 100.

To provide the electrical contacting mechanism, at least part of the plurality of mating contacts 202a, 202b is arranged on an electrically insulating, valve body-side receiving body 206, wherein the valve body-side receiving body 206 is received and fixed in the valve body 200.

The valve body-side receiving body 206 for the mating contacts 202a, 202b provides a stop 252a for a counter-stop 152a of an associated locking projection 150a in the circumferential direction with respect to the actuating axis S.

The drive-side receiving body 106 and/or the valve body-side receiving body 206 include/comprises at least one inner guide channel, not shown, for electrical lines. The inner guide channel can, for example, be designed in sections as a through opening and/or as an open groove in the respective receiving body 106, 206. The electrical lines arranged at least in sections in the guide channel lead from the electrical contacts 102a, 102b or the electrical mating contacts 202a, 202b point the way in the direction of a drive-side control unit or in Direction of a valve body-side control unit or a valve body-side sensor.

The drive-side receiving body 106 and/or the valve body-side receiving body 206 are/is made at least in sections from a plastic material, with the valve body 200 and the housing 112 of the drive unit 100 being made from a metal alloy.

In an alternative example, the drive-side receiving body 106 and/or the valve body-side receiving body 206 are/is made at least in sections from a plastic material, with the valve body 200 and the housing 112 of the drive unit 100 also being made from the or another plastic material.

The plurality of contacts 102a, 102b run, in particular when twisting in the locking direction V, in imaginary perpendicular planes of the actuating axis S that are spaced apart from one another by a distance, the plurality of mating contacts 202a, 202b, in particular when twisting in the locking direction V, in the perpendicular planes spaced apart from one another over the distance.

The exposed contacts 102a, 102b and the exposed mating contacts 202a, 202b have a longitudinal extent in the circumferential direction which is larger than an extent parallel to the actuating axis S. The plurality of contacts 102a, 102b and/or the respective associated mating contact 202a, 202b comprises a spring mechanism which holds the contact 102a, 102b and/or the mating contact 202a, 202b in the locked state with a spring force in the direction of the mating contact 202a, 202b or in the direction of the contact 102a, 102b. This advantageously ensures an electrical connection.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the membrane valve 2 from Figure 1 in a perspective view. An electrical connection between the control unit 104 of the drive unit 100 and the further control unit of the valve body 200 and/or the sensor 204 of the valve body 200 is established via the contacts 102a, 102b and mating contacts 202a, 202b. The sensor 204 is, for example, a flow sensor that generates a signal that characterizes the flow between two fluid connections 290 and 292.

The valve body 200 includes two fixed optical indicators 280 and 282 on the outer surface, which, in conjunction with an associated indicator 180 on the outer surface of the drive housing 112, determine the locking state and the unlocking depending on the rotational position between the valve body 200 and the drive unit 100 signal the status of the lung. The drive-side control unit 104 recognizes the locking state when a current flow is detected via two of the contacts 102a, 102b, which are assigned to the two connected mating contacts 202a, 202b or a mating contact covering two contacts 102a, 102b.

For example, at least two of the mating contacts 202a, 202b are electrically connected to one another or a mating contact covers an area of two contacts 102a, 102b.

In another example, the sensor 204 and/or the control unit in the valve body 200 is recognized or detected via the contacted contacts and mating contacts. a signal coming from there is recognized in order to recognize the locking status.

A cylindrical surface of the housing 112 of the drive unit 100 follows an imaginary cylindrical extension of a cylindrical surface of the valve body 200 in the area of the plug-turn locking mechanism. This improves cleanability.

Furthermore, a light-transparent circular ring 400 is arranged between the valve body 200 and the drive unit 100. A light source, not shown, which is connected to the circular ring 400 in a light-conducting manner, is controlled by the control unit 104 in order to indicate the activity of a function to the fitter or service personnel Operating status, such as the one detected

Locking status or to signal an error.

Figure 3 shows a schematic section of the membrane valve 2. A drive 170 introduces a driving force into the valve membrane 300 via a valve rod 172 which runs along the actuation axis S and is movable along the actuation axis.

The valve membrane 300 includes a bracing section 310 which surrounds a functional area 320 of the valve membrane 300. The valve body 200 includes a bracing surface 210 for abutting the bracing section 310 of the valve membrane 300. In a locking state and at least during operation of the diaphragm valve 2, a clamping piece 110 clamps the clamping section 310 of the membrane 300 between itself and the clamping surface 210 of the valve body 2. The clamping surface 210 surrounds a functional opening 220 of the valve body 200, via which a valve seat (not shown) can be reached. The valve membrane 300 presses on the valve seat when the membrane valve 2 is closed and thus limits the flow of process fluid through the membrane valve 2.

The drive unit 100 comprises a clamping unit 120 that is fixed to the housing 112 of the drive unit 100 in the sense of a clamping assembly, which applies a clamping force via the clamping piece 110 in particular by means of a clamping drive 122, for example an electric motor or a manual drive, and a self-locking gear 124 into the bracing section 310 of the valve membrane 300 or relaxes the bracing section 310.

The clamping unit 120 is supported on the valve body 200 via the locked plug-and-turn connection between the drive unit 100 and the valve body 200 and presses the clamping piece 110 and the clamping section 310 onto the valve body 200 in order to establish the seal to the outside.

The control unit 104 arranged in the drive unit 100 operates at least the valve drive 170 and in particular also the clamping unit 120 as a function of a signal 500 which originates from the valve body 200, in particular from the sensor 204, via electrical lines and the electrical contacting mechanism to the drive unit 100 to be led .

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the drive-side receiving body 106 following a circular ring shape for holding the contacts 102a, 102b.

The collar 140, which projects in the direction of the valve body 200, comprises an interruption 142 arranged in the circumferential direction, into which a contact section 144 of the drive-side receiving body 106, which exposes the contacts 102a, 102b, engages in a form-fitting manner, in particular in the circumferential direction with respect to the actuating axis S. The contact section 144 of the drive-side receiving body 106 follows an outer contour of the collar 140, in particular a surface 146 recessed from an adjacent locking projection 150a.

The drive-side receiving body 106 comprises an internal guide contour 108, in which the clamping piece 110 for clamping the valve membrane 300 is arranged movably along the actuating axis S of the membrane valve 2. The inner guide contour 108 of the drive-side receiving body 106 with projections running parallel to the adjusting axis and a counter contour 116 of the clamping piece 110 with receiving grooves for the aforementioned projections prevent rotation of the clamping piece 110 about the adjusting axis S.

Figure 5 shows, in addition to Figure 2, an exploded view of the diaphragm valve 2. Facing away from the drive unit 100, the valve body is closed with a cover 260. A sealing ring 262 is arranged between the valve body 200 and the cover 260. The cover 260 closes an opening which leads into a dry interior 264 of the valve body 200. For example, the at least one sensor and/or another control unit is arranged in the interior 264. Electrical lines lead into the interior 264 and are electrically connected to the electrical mating contacts 202a, 202b.

Claims

Claims A process valve, in particular a diaphragm valve (2) or a seat valve, with a plug-turn locking mechanism between a drive unit (100) and a valve body (200) and with an electrical contacting mechanism, which has a plurality of electrical contacts (102a, 102b) on the drive side ) and on the valve body side a plurality of electrical mating contacts (202a, 202b) for the contacts (102a, 102b), wherein the electrical contacts (102a, 102b) and the electrical mating contacts (202a, 202b) during a relative rotation of the valve body (200) and the drive unit (100) are mechanically and electrically contacted against each other in a locking direction (V) and are mechanically and electrically separated from one another in an unlocking direction (E) when rotated relative to one another. The process valve according to claim 1, wherein an electrical connection between a control unit (104) of the drive unit (100) and a further control unit of the valve body (200) and / or a sensor (204) of the valve body (200) via the contacts (102a, 102b) and counter contacts (202a, 202b) are produced. 3. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the plurality of contacts (102a, 102b) is arranged on a drive-side receiving body (106) which is designed to be electrically insulating at least in sections, and wherein the drive-side receiving body (106) is in a housing (112) of the drive unit (100) is recorded and fixed to the housing (100).

4. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a valve membrane (300) comprises a bracing section (310) which surrounds a functional area (320) of the valve membrane (300), wherein the valve body (200) has a bracing surface (210) for contacting the Bracing section (310) of the valve membrane (300), and wherein a clamping piece (110) in a locking state and at least during operation of the process valve, the bracing section (310) of the membrane (300) between itself and the bracing surface (210) of the valve body (2) tense.

5. The process valve according to claim 4, wherein the drive unit (100) has a clamping unit fixed to the housing (112) of the drive unit (100).

(120), which in particular by means of a clamping drive (122), for example an electric motor, and a self-locking gear (124), introduces a clamping force via the clamping piece (110) into the clamping section (310) of the valve membrane (300) or the clamping section (120) 310) relaxed. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive-side receiving body (106) has an internal guide contour (108) in which the clamping piece (110) for clamping the valve membrane (300) is arranged to be movable along an actuating axis (S) of the process valve. The process valve according to claim 6, wherein the inner guide contour (108) of the drive-side receiving body (106) and a counter contour (116) of the clamping piece (110) prevent rotation of the clamping piece (110) about the actuating axis (S). The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (112) of the drive unit (110) has a collar (140) projecting in the direction of the valve body (200) with an interruption (142) arranged in the circumferential direction, into which the contacts (102a , 102b) exposing contact section (144) of the drive-side receiving body (106) engages in a form-fitting manner, in particular in the circumferential direction. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact portion (144) of the drive-side receiving body (106) has an outer contour of the collar

(140), in particular a surface (146) that recesses relative to an adjacent locking projection (150a), follows. 10. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the plurality of mating contacts (202a, 202b) is arranged on an electrically insulating, valve body-side receiving body (206), and wherein the valve body-side receiving body (206) is in the valve body (200 ) is recorded and fixed.

11. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive-side receiving body (106) and/or the valve body-side receiving body (206) comprises at least one inner guide channel for electrical lines, wherein the electrical lines arranged at least in sections in the guide channel are separated from the electrical contacts ( 102a, 102b) and/or the electrical mating contacts (202a, 202b) away in the direction of a drive-side control unit

(104) or in the direction of a control unit on the valve body side or a sensor (204) on the valve body side.

12. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive-side receiving body (106) and/or the valve body-side receiving body (206) is made at least in sections from a plastic material, and wherein the valve body (200) and the housing (112) of the drive unit ( 100) are made of a metal alloy.

13. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive-side control unit (104) has a Locking state detects when a current flow is detected via two of the contacts (102a, 102b), which are assigned to the two connected mating contacts (202a, 202b) or a mating contact covering two contacts (102a, 102b). The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of contacts (102a, 102b), in particular when twisting in the locking direction (V), run in imaginary perpendicular planes of the actuating axis (S) which are spaced apart from one another by a distance, and wherein the plurality of counter contacts (202a, 202b), in particular when twisting in the locking direction (V), run in the solder planes spaced apart from one another over the distance. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (100) comprises a collar (140) which extends in a circumferential direction to the actuating axis (S) and protrudes from the housing (112), which on its outer wall (146) has a plurality of sections in an annular shape extending locking projections (150a, 150b) and, offset in the circumferential direction, the plurality of contacts (102a, 102b), the valve body (200) having one in a circumferential direction to the actuating axis

(S) extending and projecting from the valve body (200) comprises a counter collar (240) which has a plurality of grooves (250a, 250b) for engaging the associated locking projection (150a, 150b) and, offset in the circumferential direction, comprises the plurality of mating contacts (202a, 202b). 16. The process valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body-side receiving body (206) for the counter contacts (202a, 202b) in the circumferential direction provides a stop (252a) for a counter-stop (152a) of an associated locking projection (150a).